How to Make a Memory Board for a Bridal Shower

A memory board is like a photo album that everyone can see at the same time.

A bridal shower is the beginning of a series of events that will create some of the most important memories in a woman's life. The shower is a way for the bride to celebrate her engagement and future wedding, as well as look back on the past. A memory board serves as a visual display of memories of the bride and can include pictures of the bride, friends and family.

Things You'll Need

• Canvas frame
• Fabric
• Ribbon
• Fabric buttons
• Flat buttons
• Straight pins
• Pillow filling
• Staple gun
• Large needle
• Embroidery thread

Instructions

1. Cut the pillow filler the size of the canvas frame. Layer two or three pieces if you want a thick, pillow-like memory board.

2. Lay the fabric on a hard, flat surface and place the pillow filler in the middle and the canvas frame on top of it, canvas side down. The wooden frame should be facing up.

3. Pull the fabric on one side over the frame and staple the fabric to the wood frame. Trim extra fabric away before stapling if it is too long to manipulate and gets in the way of stapling.

4. Repeat on the other three sides, pulling the fabric tightly before stapling. Trim the extra fabric after it is secured with staples.

5. Flip the frame over and place two pieces of ribbon, long enough to be secured in the back, in a large "X" across the canvas. Secure the ribbons in place with straight pins.

6. Flip the frame over and staple the end of the ribbons to the wood frame. Slightly pull the ribbons before stapling so they are firmly in place but not too tight.

7. Add ribbons parallel to the "X" lines on each side using the same process so that you have a diagonal checked pattern. The ribbons should be 3 or 4 inches apart but can be modified based on the size of your canvas frame and preference.

8. Thread a large needle with thick embroidery thread.

9. Thread the needle through a fabric button. Put the needle through an "X" where two ribbons meet and through to the other side of the canvas. Thread the needle through a flat button and let it fall down the thread so that it lays on the canvas.

10. Lift the flat button and thread the needle through the button hole from the underside of the button, creating a knot to secure the flat button to the canvas. Make a tight secure knot before cutting the thread.

11. Add buttons using the same method to all or some of places where the ribbons cross.

12. Place pictures under the ribbons to hold them in place on the board.

References

• Organized Christmas; French Memory Board: Easy Memo Board Gift; Cynthia Ewer; June 2011
• Bridal Buds: French Memory Board